Role of community center libraries during covid 19 pandemic in jaffna district

Abstract

It has revealed that the community library played an important role in reading activities during Covid 19 Pandemic. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of community center library on reading service of people in the Jaffna division during Covid 19. A structured questionnaire was distributed through social media among the librarian for data collection. Response rate was 98%. The finding of the study revealed that, the community center library plays positive roles on student learning activities in the travel band time. According to the study number of users in the community library increased by 67% during travel band period and the highest percentage (33%) of them was students. Students struggle more for study place during lockdown. Study individually is the main reason for using the library which is for preparing short notes and practicing past paper questions. Textbooks, past and model papers for general examination are the most frequently used library materials. There also increase the number of readers because of two reasons. First to read about Covid 19 daily update news and next band for travelling far increase emergent readers. To enhance independent learning, develop skill for reading and taking notes, create a new idea for a particular topic in various subjects, and access relevant materials for understanding the subject are the major role of community center library during lock down period. This time library face challenges in poor space and collection to satisfy readers. By upgrading the library resources and services in local community center libraries the government authority needs to allocate more funds for improving the library infra structures, collection and acquiring new technology for handling library functions.